Daily Schmankerl: The uncertain status of Bayern Munich’s Niklas Süle; Could Antonio Rüdiger’s salary put him in Bayern’s range?; Sven Ulreich’s status; Denis Zakaria to Arsenal?; and MORE!

Nagelsmann give take on Süle extension (Abendzeitung)

The pending free agent status of Bayern Munich center-back Niklas Süle is one of the clubs biggest off-the-field issues. Manager Julian Nagelsmann essentially said that the ball is in Süle’s court.

“It depends on his development and also on the market situation whether he wants to extend the contract or not,” Nagelsmann said. “Then we’ll see if it works for both sides. Niki still has to develop a little with his potential and then make the most of it as a very good central defender.”

Süle’s situation needs to be monitored closely. The big fella looks like he has rebounded into form after working his way from a major knee injury over the course of last season. Losing the Germany international for free would really sting the Bavarians and fans alike.

Ulreich back training with a ball (@FCBayern)

Some good news (for once!) on the injury front for Bayern Munich: Sven Ulreich is back training with a ball:

Chiellini compares De Ligt to Thor (Football 365)

Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini wants to see Matthijs de Ligt stay with the club. De Ligt, of course, has recently been linked to a move away:

Meanwhile, Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini says he “adores” Chelsea-linked defender Matthijs de Ligt, claiming the “real difference” is his mentality.

“He looks like Thor and I hope he can be the successor to the BBC defence,” Chiellini said in reference to his partnership with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.

“If he had been Italian, it would’ve been easier to keep hold of him for many years. I hope Mino [Raiola] can do us a favour and leave him in Turin for a few more years.

“He has gigantic muscles and legs. But the real difference is made in his mentality. De Ligt is 22 years old, but has the mind of a 30-year-old who still wants to improve himself every day.

“I adore him, having seen De Ligt both as an opponent and then a teammate. He’s really great.”

De Ligt has been linked to FC Barcelona.

ICYMI: Weekend Warm-up Podcast: Season 1, Episode 23 (Bavarian Football Works)

As Bayern Munich prepares to try and knock off the cobwebs, we at BFW are looking to get our weekend started right — with an episode of the Weekend Warm-up!

Here is what we have on tap:

• A look at the risk that comes with being on the wrong side of a devastating blowout.
• The most recent news on what might happen with Red Bull Salzburg’s Karim Adeyemi, along with the Bayern Munich tandem of Niklas Süle and Kingsley Coman.
• Yes, I am watching Squid Game and no, I have not seen the new episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm yet.
• Are you into sports gambling? I can’t get into the new school version of it and you won’t want to miss an old war story on gambling, covering high school ice hockey, and how bad things can get when your picture is in the newspaper.

Gunners wants Zakaria (@cfbayern)

It appears as if Arsenal are taking a strong interest in Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria:

ICYMI: Bavarian Podcast Works: Preview Show — Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich is going to have to try and shake off the wicked shellacking it received in the DFB-Pokal against Gladbach by traveling to Germany’s capital for a match-up with Union Berlin.

With heavy legs — and potentially some shaken confidence — Bayern Munich will have to try and ease the sting of the embarrassment it likely feels after being horse-kicked by Die Fohlen.

Here is what we have on tap for this episode:

• A look at the form of both squads.
• A look at how Bayern Munich can get back on track.
• A guess at Bayern Munich’s potential lineup.
• A prediction on the match.

Rüdiger’s salary demands revealed (@cfbayern)

It looks like Chelsea FC defender Antonio Rüdiger is looking for a salary in the neighborhood of €12 million (gross):

Could that salary put Rüdiger in play for Bayern Munich if Süle leaves? Things might be getting interesting.

Leno wants out (Transfer Market Web)

Speaking of Arsenal, Bernd Leno wants to pack his bags ASAP:

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno will be “desperate” to leave the Emirates after becoming the club’s second choice, according to former Gunners striker Alan Smith.

Leno started against Leeds during the fourth round Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday, keeping a clean sheet as Arsenal won 2-0 to progress to the quarter finals of the competition.

However, the German stopper’s last league game was at the end of August, with Mikel Arteta opting to start summer signing Aaron Ramsdale instead.

Leno started the campaign as the Gunners’ No.1, but Ramsdale’s commanding displays since arriving from Sheffield United have seen him only feature in cup competitions of late.

ICYMI: Bayern’s stunning 5-0 defeat to Gladbach in the DFB-Pokal (Bavarian Football Works)

Just in case you need a reminder of the Gladbach collapse — or you just want to engage in some podcast therapy, here you go: